Here, each hat holds the memory of its maker and wearer. More than just exhibits, they are symbols of a city shaped by industry and the knowledge of its artisans. At the Hat Museum, tradition and innovation intersect to breathe new life into this unique heritage, inviting you to discover stories that live on.
The exhibition “20 Years of History | 20 Years of Future” revisits the creators — national and international — who, over the past two decades, have helped to build the history of the Chapelaria Museum.
In this exhibition, photographer Aníbal Lemos presents a chronological journey through historical and contemporary images that document the end of the factory, the void left by its closure, and the rebirth of the site as the Hat Museum.
Dear and dear visitors, We want to express our deep gratitude to the nearly three hundred people who honored us with their presence at the Hat Museum during the celebrations of International Museum Day 2024. This year’s theme, "Museums, Education and Research", highlighted the importance of cultural institutions in offering a complete educational experience. Your enthusiastic participation contributed to the success of the celebrations that took place on the weekend of 18 and 19 May, as well as to the promotion of a more conscious, sustainable and inclusive world. We will continue to work with dedication to deliver enriching and memorable cultural experiences. Thank you for being part of this cultural journey.
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The World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated annually on 23 April. This day was proclaimed at the 28th General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1995. The purpose of this day is to promote reading and copyright protection. It also highlights the importance of books as a basic element of education and the progress of a society. The Hat Museum highlights the novel "Unhas Negras" of the Sanjoanense writer João da Silva Correia, which tells the hard life of the workers of the hat industry in the early twentieth century. In those damn machines, you put the rabbits still alive on one side, and ready-made hats on the other. But if by chance the work brings defect, there is no greater difficulty. Return the rabbits to the gear, and she restores the rabbits, alive again! Unhas Negras The book is for sale in the museum shop.
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The Hat Museum was present at the Annual Meeting of the Portuguese Network of Museums - Strategies and perspectives, which took place on March 21 at the Maritime Museum of Ílhavo. In this event, took place the accreditation ceremony of the 4 new museums of RPM: Museu do Oriente, Museu Medeiros de Almeida - Artes Decorativas, Museu Municipal Santos Rocha and Museu das Artes de Sintra, to which we welcome. This was also the moment of election of 3 RPM representatives, of central, local and private administration. The director of the Hat Museum, Tânia Reis, was one of the nominees to join the list of possible representatives of the Portuguese Network of Museums, in the category "Local Administration". Of the 165 museums belonging to RPM, only 15 possible representatives were appointed, 5 per category. Although not elected to the position, this appointment is a recognition of the work done by the staff of the Hat Museum. Our congratulations to the colleagues who were elected to represent RPM: > In Central Administration: Vítor do Castelo, Angra do Heroísmo Museum. > In Local Administration: Andreia Conceição, from the Maritime Museum of Sesimbra > In Private Administration: Isabel Víctor, from the Sporting Museum. The diversity of the museums of the elected representatives demonstrates the richness and variety of the Portuguese museum landscape, and we are confident that they will play a key role in strengthening and promoting our museums.
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On February 6th, in an environment of creativity, sharing and learning, two masterclasses were held at the Hat Museum, conducted by the prestigious Brazilian designer Graciella Starling. This event was attended by fashion students, teachers of product design, hatters and entrepreneurs from the world of headwear, artists and artisans, with a common passion: fashion. Graciella shared her expertise and experience, a unique experience for all present. We thank all participants for making this event so special! Stay tuned for upcoming learning opportunities and events at the Hat Museum. We will continue to bring unique experiences to all fashion and headwear enthusiasts! ???? If you want to be contacted for the next headgear masterclasses, please send your email to museuchapelaria@cm-sjm.pt.
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This week
12 november to 14 november 2025 (This week)
"CULTURando por aí..." is a program that takes place during every school break at the Hat Museum and the Shoe Museum in S. João da Madeira. Comprising a wide range of fun and educational activities, it aims to stimulate and develop habits of consumption and cultural enjoyment from a very young age. Registration and more information by calling 256 200 206 or emailing museuchapelaria@cm-sjm.pt PROGRAM HATTERY MUSEUM November 12 | Wednesday Artistic Expression Workshop | Hats made from gently fallen leaves Is it possible to make a hat from fallen leaves? Yes. We combine balloons, gently fallen leaves from ancient and wise trees, care, and glue… and magic happens! November 13 | Thursday Artistic Expression Workshop | Animals for an Autumn Forest And because the Hat Museum's Educational Service is transformed into a small forest, we'll create animals using pine cones, twigs, and other materials. Among them, hares and beavers, old friends of the hat industry... FOOTWEAR MUSEUM November 14 | Friday Artistic Expression Workshop | Painting with Your Feet This activity encourages participants to exercise their creativity through various drawing and painting activities. But there's a little twist: they must all be done with their feet! Artistic Expression Workshop | Corded Hairpieces Using unused corded hair, participants let their imaginations run wild. In this activity, each participant creates a character whose hair is made from old tennis shoelaces.
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In 2 months
22 december to 02 january 2026 (In 2 months)
"CULTURando por aí..." is a program that takes place during every school break at the Hat Museum and the Shoe Museum in S. João da Madeira. Comprising a wide range of recreational and educational activities, it aims to encourage and develop habits of consumption and cultural enjoyment from a very young age. Registration and more information by calling 256 200 206 or emailing museuchapelaria@cm-sjm.pt PROGRAM HATTERY MUSEUM December 22 - Monday Artistic Expression Workshop | Felting for Christmas Decorations Christmas is coming and the decorations are ready. But there's always room for one more accessory on our tree, nativity scene, or wall. Using felting techniques, leftover felt from the hat industry, and other materials, no one will resist our creations. December 23 - Tuesday Artistic Expression Workshop | Once upon a time there was a hat factory The Hat Museum continues its 20th anniversary celebration, and we want to continue telling its story. After getting to know it through cutouts, drawings, and collages, we'll illustrate it in a very brief pop-up story/postcard. December 26 - Tuesday Artistic Expression Workshop | Futuristic Hat Making With Christmas over, we look to the New Year. What will the hats of the future be like? Peeking into the new hat makers, we mix styles and materials and find our vision. Hands on the future? FOOTWEAR MUSEUM December 29 - Monday Artistic Expression Workshop | Santa's Elf Shoes Using fabric scraps and cardboard molds, participants create elf shoes and become Santa's helpers for a day! December 30 - Tuesday Artistic Expression Workshop | Paper Clogs After learning about traditional Portuguese footwear, participants are invited to create their own paper clogs! January 2 - Friday Treasure Hunt | Museum Treasures Using clues, participants are invited to examine the Museum exhibition more closely so they can discover the treasures hidden within.
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